It is with great sadness that we must tell you of the passing of John Ellis Forsyth. John was born July 8, 1928 in Vancouver, BC. He died peacefully June 1, 2009 in the Coronary Care Unit of Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. We wish to extend our profound thanks to the staff of the CCU and of RIH for all their efforts to help John after his heart attack and for their kindness and support to us. John was proud to have been an integral member of Scouts Canada for fifty years. Countless young people have benefited from his commitment to their well-being and his belief in the value of the Scouting movement in the development of fine young citizens. He shared with them his love of nature, his pride in our country and his pride in them. Just last week he was at Ruckle Point preparing for a new summer of adventure. At eighty years old he was still an active participant in Night Trek this May. He was a trusted mentor to new leaders; his influence will be felt long after his passing. John was also an active member in the Baden Powell Guild. Our community has lost an exceptional Scoutmaster. John was a dearly loved member of Saint George's Anglican Parish and was highly respected for his kindness towards others, his generosity, and his talent with the choir. He had a great respect and fondness for Rev. Isabel Healy-Morrow and we are very grateful for her support during this time of loss. Before his retirement John was a teacher in School District #73 and was an active member of the retired teachers association. John was proud to have been a teacher, and he continued to be a scholar…a huge text on the Gospels that he had ordered from Bookland (one of his favorite places) which arrived just after he entered the hospital was testament to his commitment to being a life-long learner. Mourning his passing is Irene McDonald, his loving companion for the last 16 years, her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren; his sister Bertha and her husband Bob and their children; his brother George; special friends Craig, Donna and Barrie; and countless others he has met in the Scouting movement. We are so thankful John had such good friends in his life and that he was able to have a good time sharing memories with Craig and Donna in his last days. Friends wishing to pay their respects by viewing are invited to do so in the Schoening Funeral Chapel, Thursday June 4, 2009 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, with a prayer service at 8:00 pm. Funeral Liturgy with Holy Eucharist to be celebrated at St. George's Anglican Church, 308 Royal Ave, North Kamloops on Friday June 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with the Reverend Isabel Healy-Morrow officiating. Luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Those involved in the Scouting movement are invited to come in uniform as a tribute to this fine Scoutmaster. In lieu of flowers donations to Scouts Canada would be most welcome. On-line condolences may be expressed at http://www.schoenings.com. Service arrangements are entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 250-374-1454.